CLA Gems

Instructor Shaylise Sylvester helps a student with her ceramic piece at the 2024 Summer Visual Arts Academy on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Photo by Marina Barbosa Santos

From classrooms to communities, great work begins in CLA.

CLA Gems celebrate the research, creative work, and accomplishments of students, faculty, and alumni from across the College of Liberal Arts. 

 

 

Featured Gems

Jen Peterson. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Photo by JR Ancheta
Wisdom and Wellness

Jen Peterson's FlexCog Lab explores resilience and healthy aging while mentoring ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ undergrads to do meaningful research in Interior Alaska.

Masks from the third section of Da-ka-xeen Mehner's 2012 exhibition, Finding My Song, at the Anchorage Museum. Photo by Mehner
Finding His Song

ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Native Art Professor Da-ka-xeen Mehner reflects on art, identity, and storytelling in a powerful Sealaksa Heritage Institute lecture.

Fernando Escobar. Photo credit: Kris Luckenbach
Voice of the Students

With deep roots in public service, Fernando Escobar brings heart, vision, and a commitment to student voices as UA’s newest student regent.

 

CLA Gems
  • ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ alumna Naomi Hutchquist (’19), now a Data Visualization Specialist with Alaska EPSCoR, guided attendees through her VR project on Firewise principles and marine science at the 2024 NSF EPSCoR Conference. Photo credit: Alaska EPSCoR

    Alumni Spotlight: Naomi Hutchquist

    September 05, 2025

    ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ alumna Naomi Hutchquist (BFA '19) turns art into science storytelling, bringing data to life through creativity and community.

  • Professor Emeritus Brian Patrick O'Donoghue signs copies of his book “The Fairbanks Four: Murder, Injustice and the Birth of a Movementâ€during the 2025 Nanook Rendezvous Welcome Reception and Alumni Awards Thursday evening, July 17, 2025 in the Great Hall. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Photo by Eric Engman

    Following the Thread: From Classroom Questions to Community Change

    September 05, 2025

    ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ emeritus Brian O'Donoghue turns a years-long, student-powered investigation into a new book and a community lesson in justice.

  • Ledger drawing by an known Kiowa artist, Man and Woman (ca. 1880s-1890s)

    Rewriting the Record

    August 29, 2025

    Mary Ludwig's Newberry essay invites learners to examine power in archives and foreground Indigenous perspectives.

  • Seamus Knight recording natural soundscapes in Denali under the guidance of Davyd Betchkal, a sound ecologist who shared incredible insights into the acoustic environment of the park.

    Student Spotlight: Seamus Knight

    August 20, 2025

    ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ music and film student Seamus Knight composed an original piece in Denali for a pro performance through Composing in the Wilderness.

  • Students Rachael Teter and Jasmine Jemewouk play an impomptu game of chess at -18 degrees. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Photo by JR Ancheta

    Learning on His Own Terms: Ryan Pullis

    August 08, 2025

    Through parenting, full-time work, and philosophy studies, Ryan Pullis proves that learning can happen anywhere—and on your own timeline.

  • Sarah Dexter prepares her fused art piece for another round of firing in the kiln. Photo courtesy of Dexter

    Fired Up: SLAG Sparks New Work with Fused Glass

    August 07, 2025

    SLAG students use ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½AA funding to explore fused glass, creating striking new work and expanding creative skills in the ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ sculpture studio.

  • Olivia Buzby. UF Photo by Sarah Manriquez

    Finding Her Voice: Olivia Buzby

    August 06, 2025

    After a pivotal sophomore year, Olivia Buzby found her stride—and her voice—through music education at ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½.

  • Philipp Moosmayer. ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½ Photo by Sarah Manriquez

    Learning to Ask, Learning to Lead: Philipp Moosmayer

    August 04, 2025

    Outstanding Student Philipp Moosmayer reflects on support, independence, and community as a journalism major in the College of Liberal Arts at ÃÛÌÒµ¼º½.

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